The stars of the ATP Tour motivate fans throughout the world. They have received plenty of reminders of that this week at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers in Toronto.
The likes of Andy Murray, Carlos Alcaraz and Andrey Rublev have all received positive hand-written notes from fans each day in their locker as part of Tennis Canada’s Mental Heath initiative.
“It’s amazing. When you’re playing the matches, obviously you feel the atmosphere and feel the support from the crowd. But you are out there doing it for yourself and your team, predominantly,” Murray said. “But then, whether it’s around the practice courts, or sometimes bumping into people in the street, having people say positive, nice things towards you is brilliant.”
When Murray was younger, he felt he was inspiring young kids on the rise just like he was once motivated by the best players in the world.
“I get more comments from 50, 60 year olds now saying, ‘Oh, I’ve got a metal hip as well’ or, ‘I’ve got a bad hip and you’re inspiring me to keep going’,” Murray said. “So it’s changed a little bit over the years, but it’s always nice.”
Alcaraz is only 20, but has quickly become one of the most popular athletes in the sport. The Spaniard has greatly enjoyed fans’ messages.
“It’s great to know all the love from the people. I read the messages that they write me on social media as well, in every platform and, of course, in the cards as well,” Alcaraz said. “Every day that I get into the locker room, I saw the cards,. And for me, it’s great to read it and know all the love that they have [for] me.”
Rublev is also a fans’ favourite. The 25-year-old makes a point of signing autographs for all fans waiting and giving back to those who spend part of their day watching him perform.
“For sure it’s super nice. I think for the players it’s very kind and very nice to receive those letters of support or something with nice words,” Rublev said. “I’m thinking this way and I guess for the rest of the players it’s the same. It’s super nice and you feel grateful.”